Is It Possible To Shorten The Length Of Leg During Hip Replacement?

Posted on Fri, 10 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 Answered on

Sat, 2 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I need a hip replacement and my other leg is shorter. can they shorten the leg when they replace the hip and is that advisable

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
it is possible but with detailed planning

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to hcm.
It is possible to implant longer or shorter prostheses so length of femur can be manipulated. But,to do any such additional procedures,the extensive preoperative planning is required. It must be determined first, is your leg shorter because of shorter femur, Lower leg or feet. Also ,rotation of other leg must be measured.
Then during hip replacement,an experienced orthopedist must calculate appropriate size of implant. So i suggest not to do leg shortening unless you 'll be treated in highly specialized centre. Wish you good health.regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T